Elevating the profession with tax automation

Building trust through AI-enabled automation 

One of the biggest benefits of automation is its ability to increase accuracy and transparency. AI-enhanced data capture technologies like scanning, OCR, and machine learning almost eliminate the need for manual data entry. These tools can extract information from client documents, validate it against existing records, and populate it into software systems. This minimizes errors and ensures data is consistent throughout the workflow.  

Other ways AI can help build trust and partnership between the client and firm are with real-time dashboards and secure client portals. AI-augmented dashboards provide real-time information and insights about client relationships and client business. AI can also help identify missing documents and incorrect data. Firms can give clients full visibility into their returns, with self-service tools to upload documents, review drafts, and electronically sign forms from one centralized, user-friendly location.  

Tools like CCH Axcess™ Client Collaboration play a big part here. By giving clients an easy way to upload documents and communicate securely, firms can increase completion rates up to 67%. Automated data connectors and integrated eSignatures make for a seamless experience with less opportunity for human error. 

Trust is built on consistent, transparent communication. Automation allows firms to respond faster to client requests, share updates, and provide real-time access to relevant information. This level of responsiveness builds confidence and encourages year-round collaboration. 

Accuracy and compliance at scale 

Staying compliant means keeping up with ever-changing regulations at the federal, state, and local levels. AI is key here to parse tax regulations and interpretations and return relevant guidance based on the user’s query, often before the question is even fully formed. Built-in Q&A features, contextual summaries, and predictive analytics speed up and improve tax research, reducing time spent switching between platforms and compliance risk. 

AI-enabled research platforms like CCH^® AnswerConnect help professionals cut through the noise and get fast and accurate answers to complex tax questions. 

With CCH Axcess™ Tax, real-time validation tools highlight discrepancies, detect unusual entries, and confirm compliance with the latest tax rules. An intelligent, scalable, and fully integrated tax preparation system, you get comprehensive forms and calculations with powerful diagnostics and time-saving workflows for even the most complex compliance work. 

By reducing guesswork and increasing confidence, automation minimizes the need for post-filing corrections that add to your labor costs and can impact client relationships. The result is a more accurate, efficient, and trustworthy compliance process. 

More time for higher-level analysis and advisory work

Automation doesn’t just speed up processes; it changes what you focus on. With routine tasks like data entry, reconciliation, and filing handled automatically by AI, tax professionals have more bandwidth to do planning, forecasting, and strategic discussions with clients. 

Tools like CCH Axcess™ iQ use predictive intelligence to surface advisory opportunities by analyzing client data and identifying tax-saving strategies or areas of risk. These insights allow firms to provide customized, proactive guidance that aligns with clients’ financial goals. 

As technology handles routine tasks, the value of human judgment and insight becomes more apparent. Tax professionals are increasingly taking on the role of strategic advisors, helping clients navigate business challenges and plan for the future. 

Data-driven insights allow you to move from a reactive service model to a proactive one. Whether it’s advising on estimated payments, planning for legislative changes, or optimizing tax outcomes across multiple entities, the advisory conversation becomes ongoing and increases your value to your clients. 

Accelerate professional development

Traditionally, junior staff spent their early years on repetitive low-value tasks like organizing documents, reconciling accounts, or checking data for accuracy. Automation has changed that. 

With basic tasks handled by AI technology, junior professionals can now get into more meaningful work earlier in their careers. They can focus on analyzing data, understanding client needs, and participating in strategic conversations. This accelerates their learning curve and long-term career satisfaction. 

Scale services and grow revenue 

By removing routine friction, AI-enabled digital workflows free tax professionals to do what they do best: think strategically, advise clients, and deliver real value. Automation also allows firms to scale services and grow revenue. 

As tax laws evolve and client expectations rise, firms that embrace AI and automation are leading the way. By elevating your profession through technology, you are building a future that is more strategic and client-focused than ever before. 

Download our whitepaper, Embracing Integration in Your Tax Workflows, to see how you can streamline your workflow and help your firm grow.